Parks and Wildlife biologists have long-term concerns
By Joe Lewandowski
Conservation biologists at Colorado Parks and Wildlife are charged with keeping a close eye on sensitive wildlife – animals that sometimes are classified as “species of greatest conservation need” by the agency. One of those species is the Southern White-tailed Ptarmigan. (more…)
The spirit of Christmas includes giving
By Jaclyn Schrock
Over 150 volunteer hours helped provide a drive-through pick up of Christmas breakfast and dinner, on Tuesday, December 22nd. Gilpin Food Bank is so very thankful to their helpful, revolving team of volunteers. The young and not so young giving of time, energy, compassion and holiday cheer donated so many hours of help coordinated by the Gilpin Food Bank. (more…)
Let’s all support this valuable service by paying our fair share and stop abuse – increase in fees starts January 6th
By Randy Beaudette
The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners participated in an online workshop to discuss new fees to be implemented at the Gilpin County Solid Waste Transfer Station, aka “The Dump.” Commissioners Gail Watson, Ron Engels and Linda Isenhart attended along with County Manager (more…)
Recognizing Commissioner Watson’s service to the County
By Randy Beaudette
Gilpin Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) held their final regular meeting of 2020 on December 17th. Highlights included topics such as a celebration of Commissioner Gail Watson’s service, the C-PACE program for commercial buildings in the County, and 2021 budget year certification of levies and revenue. (more…)
School Board optimistic for a fresh new year of hybrid learning in 2021
By Curt Halsted
On December 15th Gilpin County School District held their last school board meeting of the 2020 school year. The meeting opened with a moment of silence for two lost Gilpinites, Cody and Shelby Allen. Cody began attending Gilpin schools in his early childhood and is a 2009 graduate of Gilpin (more…)
Eight tips to make everyone’s holidays brighter
by Jane Dvorak
Growing restrictions and COVID-19 concerns are preventing loved ones from seeing older family and friends this holiday season. In the first few months of the pandemic, the number of older adults who reported feeling lonely or isolated doubled. While older adults may be forced to (more…)
Colorado State Forest Service
By Teddy Parker-Renga
The Colorado Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with the Division of Fire Prevention and Control and with the support of the Colorado State Forest Service, will be burning slash piles on Golden Gate Canyon State Park this winter. Burning operations will occur as weather and snow conditions permit, and could begin in January 2021. (more…)
Gilpin County and Central City community in mourning
PRESS RELEASE – It is with distraught and broken hearts that we report the death of two of our Central City Fire Department beloved fire fighters. Lieutenant Cody Allen 29, and his wife, Volunteer Firefighter Shelby Allen 27, were found deceased in their home this morning in Central City, Colorado.
Cody Allen had been with the Central City Fire Department as a volunteer since July of 2009, and was recently hired full time to the position of lieutenant. Shelby Allen was a member of the Fire Department as a volunteer since February of 2016. Both Cody and Shelby’s families have been members of this community for many, many years. They grew up in Gilpin County, (more…)
Annual Holiday Meal with Drive-Thru Service
By David Josselyn
“2020 is a tough year for everybody,” exclaimed Ameristar General Manager Sean Demeule, “we have to improvise.” These words reflect changes many organizations are making as creativity abounds to provide services in a new and safe manner, and the Gilpin Seniors are no different. (more…)
Gilpin County Comprehensive Plan finalized and posted online
By Randy Beaudette
Gilpin Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) held a regular meeting December 15, 2020. Highlights included topics such as the 2021 Budget, a public hearing on zoning regulations, and the levying of General Property taxes for 2020. (more…)
All employees and projects maintained during the trying times of 2020
By Randy Beaudette
Highlights of the December 9, 2020 Black Hawk City Council Regular online meeting includes many end-of-year business items such as 2021 Annual Budget, City employee Holiday schedule, and the grant agreement with CDOT to keep the Black Hawk and Central City Tramway running. (more…)
Firefighters’ passing sets the tone, but work continues
By David Josselyn
Work Session
Council met with Staff at 5:00pm for a work session prior to the regular meeting. The topic of discussion was an overview of Ordinance 20-13 which adjusts the sales and use tax code. (more…)
On heels of the wolf debate in Colorado
By Seth Boster
When the opportunity came in 2008, when the rare wolverine presented itself just in time for the technology to meet it, researchers in Wyoming took advantage. M56, as he became known, was almost 2 years old and weighed a healthy 30 pounds. (more…)
Tax Lien Properties For Sale – Make Offer!
By Randy Beaudette
On December 8, 2020, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) held a regular online meeting to discuss topics such as a new amendment to the County Employee Handbook, an amendment to the Fund Reporting Policy, new trash and recycling fees, and the long-awaited decision to rescind all fire restrictions. (more…)
Coronavirus, vaccines, economic crisis, wildfires, and drought review
By Jaclyn Schrock
A phone-in Town Hall meeting was held for all of Colorado to hear what US Senator Michael Bennett and his two panelists voiced. Colorado constituents were heard asking questions in turn. The conference type call was held Friday, December 4th from 3 to 4 pm. (more…)
From the Gilpin Historical Society
by David Forsyth, PhD
The first recorded Christmas celebration in what would become Colorado was in 1806. Zebulon Pike and his group of fifteen men were camped about three miles north of Salida, near the mouth of Brown’s Canyon, and their last food had been a turkey and a hare shot on December 22. On Christmas Eve, though, they found and killed a total of (more…)